Xcaret Park vs. Xel-ha: Which One is Right for You?
Xcaret Park and Xel-ha: What’s the difference?
The biggest difference between Xcaret Park and Xel-ha is the focus of the parks. Xcaret Park is focused on the culture of Mexico and sharing that through the park’s activities. Xel-ha is focused on water activities and you will spend most of the day in water. Read on to find out which kinds of activities these two parks offer, and to decide which is the one for you.
You can check out full reviews of Xcaret Park and Xel-ha here.
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Location of the Parks
Xel-ha
Xel-ha is located south of Akumal towards Tulum. It takes about an hour and thirty minutes to get to Xel-ha from Cancun.
If you are staying at one of the Xcaret Hotels, it takes about 35 minutes to arrive via the hotel transportation.
Xel-ha is open daily from 8:30 am – 6:00 pm.
Xcaret Park
Xcaret Park is located near Playa del Carmen. It takes about an hour to get to Xcaret Park from Cancun.
If you are staying at Hotel Xcaret Mexico or Hotel Xcaret Arte, it takes about 10 minutes to arrive via the hotel transportation if you are going straight to the park. If you need to stop at the other hotels or parks, it will take a little longer.
Xcaret is open daily from 8:30 am – 10:00 pm.
Activities
Xel-ha Activities
Xel-ha offers a wide variety of water based activities for guests to enjoy. Xel-ha offers underground rivers to swim in, a floating bridge, a cliff jump, and a scenic lighthouse tower, among other things. Xel-ha has 23 different attractions that you can experience. If you love water, this would be the park for you.
Some of the more adventurous activities include the Cliff of Courage where you can jump off of a cliff into the water below, Adventure World where you can zip line into the refreshing water, a ropes course, and the Scenic Tower that boasts a height of 131 feet where guests can see panoramic views of the park and then descend on one of the four waterslides.
Xel-ha offers several areas to swim, snorkel, and see fish swimming through the water. You can also explore the park’s cenotes and cool off in the refreshing water.
Wanting to relax? Grab a tube and enjoy the mile long lazy river while you take in the beautiful surrounding scenery.
Xel-ha also has optional dream activities for an extra costs. These activities include the Adrenalina speed boat ride, underwater Sea Trek expeditions, an in air zip bike, manatee or sting ray encounters, and many others.
If you are looking for a fun filled day of water activities, check out Xel-ha and all it has to offer.
Xcaret Park Activities
Xcaret Park is a park based on the vibrant culture of Mexico. Xcaret Park does offer some water based activities, however, their main focus is Mexican culture and animals. Xcaret Park has 50 different attractions that you can experience at the park, and many people say it takes them 2 days to see them all.
Xcaret Park offers three underground river options, and you can enjoy as many as you would like. These are Río Azul, Río Maya, and Río Manatee. Río Azul is said to be the most popular and busy of the three. Xcaret also offers snorkeling in an inlet, and swimming in natural pools along the ocean.
When it comes to the cultural activities, Xcaret Park has a lot to offer. You can see 50 different species birds such as the quetzal and zopilote, jaguars, sea turtles, butterflies, and more. In the morning you can see a flamingo parade, in the afternoon the flight of the macaws, and in the evening the equestrian show. If you love wildlife, this is the place for you.
Xcaret offers several different cultural shows throughout the day. Three times a day you can see the exciting Papantla flyers, you can visit the Mayan Village and see some Pre-Hispanic dances, walk through the Mexican cemetery that showcases what it is like for Mexico’s famous Dia de los Muertos, and don’t miss the Mexico Espectacular show where you will see over 300 artists act out historical moments from Mexico’s past.
The Mexico Espectacular show is one of Xcaret Park’s most loved and talked about activities. The show is about 2 hours long and takes you on a journey through Mexico’s history. This show is a must-do when visiting the park, and it will be something you are glad you did not miss. Even the walk into the theater is exciting with performers standing outside as you walk the path.
Xcaret Park also offers dream activities for an additional cost which include the Sea Trek Expedition, swimming with sharks or stingrays, the Adrenalina speed boat ride, and a snorkeling tour. If one of these activities is on your bucket list, you can check it off while at Xcaret Park.
If you love Mexico and its culture, Xcaret Park is the choice for you. Read more about Xcaret Park’s best activities here.
Food Options
Both Xcaret and Xel-ha offer several dining options at the parks. With your ticket at Xel-ha, unlimited food and drinks are included. There are 6 restaurants you can choose from, with all 6 being on the main side of the park.
At Xcaret, food is not automatically included. Xcaret park has different ticket options, one without food, and the plus option where food is included. Xcaret Park has 10 restaurant options to choose from spread out around the park, and a few snack kiosks.
It is important to note that if you choose the plus option, you only receive 1 buffet meal, one beer, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks while you dine. If you plan on staying at the park the whole day, you may still need to pay extra for food if you get hungry again after eating your included meal.
Xel-ha is definitely better in this area as you can eat multiple times if you are hungry, and includes alcohol as well. This is a great added bonus to this park, especially if you are going with family and have many people to feed.
Tickets
Tickets for both parks can be purchased online with options for transportation, or at the park itself. If staying at an Xcaret Hotel, admission and transportation are included in your stay.
You can book directly through Xcaret’s website, or you can check out the tours below for booking options.
Recap
Xcaret Park and Xel-ha are both amazing days of fun. Both offer unforgettable activities that will make your vacation one you will not forget. Choose Xcaret if you are looking for more cultural activities and to learn about Mexico. Choose Xel-ha if you are looking to spend the day in the water. Either one will be a great choice.
Looking to try another Grupo Xcaret park? Check out reviews of Xenses, Xplor, and Xplor Fuego here.
